Sony 2018- A Year's Retrospective

By: Ryan Ramakrishnan

If Sony’s 2018 was defined by one thing, it’d be its first party lineup. It is impossible to deny the sheer caliber the PlayStation 4 exclusives brought to the table this year, with a push for both interesting narratives and overall top-notch single player experiences. As a result, they walked away with not only fantastic titles but more than a few Game of the Year awards to bring with them into the new year.

19 Games to Keep on Your Radar in 2019

By: Ryan Ramakrishnan

If 2017 and this year are anything to go by, gaming is at an all-time high. With top-quality titles like “The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild,” “Super Mario Odyssey,” “God of War” and “Red Dead Redemption 2” releasing in these two years, it’ll be hard for 2019 to keep up. However, with the year just rolling in, we already have knowledge of plenty of exciting releases of all sorts. As a result, I’ve put together a list of just under 20 games scheduled for a release next year, titles for you to keep on your radar in 2019.

Microsoft 2018- A Year's Retrospective

By: Ryan Ramakrishnan

While Sony pushed story-driven single player experiences and Nintendo shed light on the greatest indie games around, Microsoft decided to instead lay the groundwork for what may be the brightest foreseeable future in all of gaming.

Top 5 Game Announcements from the Game Awards

By: Ryan Ramakrishnan

The 2018 Game Awards concluded with many exciting world premieres, trailers and release date confirmations behind it. While there were more than few reveals worth talking about, for me some stood above the rest. These are my personal top 5 announcements from the show.

5 Games I'd Like to See at the Game Awards

By: Ryan Ramakrishnan

Tomorrow, Thursday, December 6, Geoff Keighley will host the 2018 Game Awards. Everything from the amount of awards “Red Dead Redemption 2” and “God of War” will be fighting for to trailers for new games should be expected. The show traditionally offers gamers new looks and brand new reveals alike of upcoming titles and this year will hopefully be no different. These are five game trailers or announcements I’d like to see shown off at the Game Awards this year.

Thomas Was Alone Review

Silent shapes never felt so real

By: Ryan Ramakrishnan

Reviewed on PlayStation 4

“Thomas Was Alone” takes simple shapes and gives them personalities and an intertwined story alongside cleverly designed puzzle platforming to create something special.

With every discovery of how to get out of a confusing puzzle, “Thomas Was Alone” left me utterly satisfied with the charm surrounding its story and gameplay. Beautiful music, interesting personality-driven characters drawn out of mere rectangles and squares and a relaxing yet engaging experience all in all come together to craft a platformer that’s equal parts unique and delightful.

What I Hope to See and Do in Spider-Man’s Final DLC

By: Ryan Ramakrishnan

“Marvel’s Spider-Man” has but one more DLC episode to go in its three-part series, “The City That Never Sleeps.” While no release date has been provided at the time of writing, it is known that the episode will be titled “Silver Linings” and scheduled to drop in December of this year. After wrapping both “The Heist,” and “Turf Wars” up, I have a lot of things to say about my time with the DLC and hopes for what the final episode will bring to the table. Here are my top 5 hopes for “Marvel’s Spider-Man: Silver Linings.” (SPOILERS FOLLOW)

The Best Console Games to Buy This Black Friday

By: Ryan Ramakrishnan

This coming Thursday may be Thanksgiving, a time to be thankful for all we do have; however, it also marks the true start of the complete opposite. As we rush out of our homes to bombard retailers to buy what we don’t have, and oftentimes don’t need, the philosophy of these holidays must be questioned.

But that sounds like a discussion to have at the dinner table where we gamers keep our mouths shut and pretend to agree as we anxiously watch the latest and greatest games go from $60 to $30, making our wallets scream in excitement. Tis the season to save money and buy as many games as we can afford in as little time as possible.

These are some of the best console games across the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4 and Xbox One that are on sale this Black Friday. I found these sales to be notably steep and worthwhile and think you should go out there and buy them instantly if you have already missed out thus far.

5 of the Biggest Games Coming Out Next Week

By: Ryan Ramakrishnan

From Tuesday, November 11 to Tuesday, November 20, the upcoming week will see multiple high profile game releases, some of which have been hotly anticipated for many months. Here is a look at five of the most exciting releases, all coming over the course of one week.

The Most Exciting Announcements From Today's Super Smash Bros Direct

By: Ryan Ramakrishnan

Nintendo unveiled everything from the entire roster of “Super Smash Bros Ultimate” to a brand new single player adventure in today’s Direct. The announcements took up 40 minutes of content with a wide range of quality in each of the reveals. Overall, anything covering one of the most ambitious and celebratory games this year is exciting. These are Nintendo’s “Super Smash Bros Ultimate’s” announcements that had me the most thrilled.

November 1 Smash Direct- 10 Characters I'd Like to See Revealed

By: Ryan Ramakrishnan

Tomorrow, November 1, Nintendo will stream a 40-minute Direct focused on “Super Smash Bros Ultimate.”

With this announcement, it’s hard not to be excited to hear what Nintendo has in store for players in their largest title in the series. Equally hard to avoid is speculation of what character reveals are to come.

After careful consideration and breakdown, I’ve compiled a list of 10 characters I’d like to see be revealed as playable fighters in “Super Smash Bros Ultimate” in tomorrow’s Direct.

Check out my list and then be sure to let me know your own.

October 27- A Landmark in Gaming

By: Ryan Ramakrishnan

One year ago yesterday, October 27, 2017, the gaming industry saw the release of not one, not two, but three major triple A titles in the form of “Assassin’s Creed: Origins,” “Super Mario Odyssey” and “Wolfenstein II: The New Colossus.” While plenty of days, especially around the holidays, see more than one game hit store shelves or digital marketplaces, few see the release of three large-scale, notable games come out at once. It was truly a special day for gamers last year, particularly believers of maintaining the true triple A single player experience.

Game Freak Had My Curiosity; Now They Have My Attention

By: Ryan Ramakrishnan

The Pokemon Company and Nintendo announced “Master Trainers” as a post-game challenge in the upcoming “Pokemon: Let’s Go, Pikachu!” and “Pokemon: Let’s Go, Eevee!”

Need for Speed: Payback Review

An engaging arcade racer that tries too hard

By: Ryan Ramakrishnan

Reviewed on PlayStation 4

The entertainment provided by racing in “Need for Speed: Payback” is nothing short of a joy to partake in until you take into account an unnecessarily risky system of leveling up and a story, great on paper, that falls flat on its face.

“Need for Speed: Payback” shot for an action movie of a story and chooses to use a card system for progression. The former is great on paper but lacking in execution, while the latter is entirely uninvited, causing for some notable problems with a generally entertaining game. Forgetting the aforementioned flaws however, “Need for Speed: Payback’s” fun racing does make for an enjoyable experience.

Nintendo Direct Predictions

Nintendo Direct 9.13.2018 

The previously delayed Nintendo Direct from last week will be airing tomorrow, September 13, according to Nintendo's Twitter. 

With one day to go, there are plenty of speculations on what will or what will not be given attention in the 35-minute presentation.

Looking at what Nintendo has on the way, recently announced or rumored titles and a little optimism, here are 10 predictions (in no particular order) for just what Nintendo has in store for consumers in its September 13 direct, covering both 3DS and Switch titles.

"Hours of Darkness" Far Cry 5 DLC 1 Review

An exhilarating gameplay loop with minimal story to tell

By: Ryan Ramakrishnan

Reviewed on PlayStation 4

“Hours of Darkness” takes what made “Far Cry 5” so much fun to play and incorporates it into a beautiful Vietnamese land.

My time with “Far Cry 5’s” first DLC, “Hours of Darkness” concluded in under four hours; however, as a mere expansion to a large-scale game, I found it to be a justified run through a visually appealing creation of Vietnam. The gunplay in both stealth-driven and the most action-packed situations left me very happy to have more of that “Far Cry” feel but the lack of any push for a real narrative made it fall short.

Just Cause 3 Review

Technical issues galore hold back a joyous action movie experience

By: Ryan Ramakrishnan

Reviewed on PlayStation 4

Avalanche Studios’ goal to let players explode everything in sight makes “Just Cause 3” an extremely fun game to mess around in yet the developer’s failure to fix plentiful bugs and glitches create a less than stellar experience post-opening despite that exciting gameplay.

“Just Cause 3” was always too ambitious with its ideas of triggering explosions in every possible way, causing ultimate destruction to everything from vehicles to water towers. The game at its best is like living out your favorite action movie, playing as a charming killing machine in Rico Rodriguez. At its worst however, “Just Cause 3” will lose your interest through lengthy loading screens, significant frame rate drops and bugs in general, all far too unfortunate due to the quality in sheer entertainment Avalanche Studios offers in its gameplay.

Hitman Review

Diverse, open-ended level design makes for one of the most exciting stealth games to date

By: Ryan Ramakrishnan

Reviewed on Xbox One

“Hitman” (2016) allowed IO Interactive to bring back the sandbox style of missions for the stealth series, allowing players to make several choices in how to complete their objectives and succeed at making it a deep and memorable gameplay experience.

With a bevy of choices in how to execute the many assassinations presented, “Hitman” wonderfully uses its sandbox level design in each of the episodic missions to provide a surprisingly lengthy experience, one that is as nerve wracking and entertaining as ever before. Its story is far from important or compelling, with the exception of one or two moments, making the gameplay take full priority. “Hitman” ultimately uses the risky episodic format to full effect in terms of that gameplay, providing players with several open-ended experiences, each worth a revisit.

Transformers: Devastation Review

Exciting combat and style suffer from confusingly useless ideas

By: Ryan Ramakrishnan

Reviewed on PlayStation 4

Both the voices and visuals of the “Transformers” cartoons of the past make their way into Platinum’s “Transformers: Devastation,” making for an iconic experience, one that has plenty of fun action to partake in, despite a repetitive nature.

“Transformers: Devastation” comes packed with impressive visuals, music and voice acting, all of which delightfully re-create the likes of cartoons in the “Transformers” franchise. Gameplay is quite good too thanks the action packed, combo-based combat Platinum Games is known for. Unfortunately, the game suffers from a little repetition in its combat and its ambitious systems fall short.

Nintendo E3 2018 Predictions Analysis

These are the predictions I had made for Nintendo's E3 2018 press conference prior to the show. Let's look at how close or off I was.

Sony E3 2018 Prediction Analysis

These are the predictions I had made for Sony's E3 2018 press conference prior to the show. Le's look at how close or off I was.

Ubisoft E3 2018 Prediction Analysis

These are my predictions I had made for Ubisoft's E3 2018 press conference prior to the show. Let's look at how close or off I was.

Square Enix E3 2018 Prediction Analysis

These are my predictions I had made for Square Enix's E3 2018 press conference prior to the show. Let's look at how close or off I was.

Bethesda E3 2018 Prediction Analysis

These are my predictions I had made for Bethesda's E3 2018 press conference prior to the show. Let's look at how close or off I was.

Microsoft E3 2018 Prediction Analysis

These are my predictions I had made for Microsoft's E3 2018 press conference prior to the show. Let's look at how close or off I was.

EA E3 2018 Prediction Analysis

These are my predictions I had made for Electronic Arts's E3 2018 press conference prior to the show. Let's look at how close or off I was.

Nintendo E3 2018 Predictions

This year's E3 is full of leaks. Nintendo is certainly no exception, seeing as their entire show was allegedly leaked a few weeks back. And of course "Pokemon: Let's Go, Pikachu" and "Pokemon: Let's Go, Eevee" were continuously leaked until they got officially revealed. I'm thinking Nintendo has at least a couple of surprises up their sleeves for their E3 Direct, as well as some further looks at previously teased and announced titles. Let me know your thoughts on my predictions, as well as your own for Nintendo in the comments below.

Sony E3 2018 Predictions

We have already been given the knowledge that Sony plans to focus heavily on four upcoming titles this E3. Those games are "Spider-Man," "The Last of Us Part 2," "Ghost of Tsushima," and "Death Stranding." Despite the emphasis on showing off the large-scale exclusives, Sony will of course let us in on some third party and indie games. A few surprises along the way are presumably there as well. At the time of writing, Sony has just said they have announcements leading up to E3 2018 but we don't know what these are as of yet.

Ubisoft E3 2018 Predictions

Whether it is a games as service or an open world action-adventure game, Ubisoft has been anything but lacking on new games and content to follow. This past March, we got "Far Cry 5" and its DLC will follow. What follows this year isn't entirely known and that may be the most exciting part. Today, I give you my predictions for what Ubisoft has in store for us this E3 and I invite you to leave a comment of your's.

Square Enix E3 2018 Predictions

This year, Square Enix promises an event similar to that of Nintendo Directs for E3. Many upcoming games from the publisher are huge. Games like "Kingdom Hearts 3" and the "Final Fantasy VII" remake have been on the radar for some time and Square Enix is bound to drop a big surprise or two. I am excited to let you in on my predictions for their E3 conference and I'd love to hear your thoughts on mine, as well as your own predictions in the comments below.

Bethesda E3 2018 Predictions

Thinking back to the mind-blowing announcement of a new "Fallout" title coming the same year as its E3 reveal makes gamers all the more excited every year for what Bethesda has in store for them. I believe they have had a solid track record, specifically with single player games and I think 2018 and the future alike look bright. Here are my predictions for what Bethesda will show off at their E3 press conference. Be sure to let me know in the comments below your predictions.

Microsoft E3 2018 Predictions

Sony may have been ahead this generation with their abundance of exclusives; however, E3 2018 feels like the perfect time for Microsoft to show the competition what they are made of. With rumors of sequels to beloved franchises like "Halo" and "Gears of War," as well as the excitement of the unknown and third party games alike, here's to what I hope to be a big E3 for Microsoft. Let me know your thoughts on my predictions, as well as your own in the comments below.

EA E3 2018 Predictions

Despite a great deal of controversy, particularly thanks to a push in the loot box epidemic gaming has recently seen, Electronic Arts has a plethora of franchises gamers hold near and dear. This year's E3 will once again see EA hold a press conference bound to show off some predictable games but complemented a surprise or two. Here are my predictions of what EA will show at E3 2018. Let me know what you think about mine and leave your own predictions in the comments below.

Housekeeping- E3 2018

ATTENTION: I will not be posting any reviews of my vast backlog of games in the coming weeks. I invite you to stay tuned for something of equal excitement, if not more. E3 2018 is around the corner and you know what that means!

Super Mario Odyssey Review

One of modern gaming’s most delightful experiences

By: Ryan Ramakrishnan

Reviewed on Nintendo Switch

“Super Mario Odyssey” is a masterclass in platforming, level design and pure smiles per minute it brings with every charming moment after another.

Right from the start, “Super Mario Odyssey” genuinely impressed me for a bevy of reasons. Whether it is the level design that boasts so much love and appreciation for the age-old franchise, the unforgettable music, unique worlds or near-perfect 3D platforming, “Super Mario Odyssey” proves Nintendo and the Mario name still stand among the very best gaming has ever offered. To top it it all off, it released well before the Nintendo Switch even hit its first year on the mark

Pac-Man Championship Edition 2 Review

Vivid colors and hyperactive gameplay make for quite a game

By: Ryan Ramakrishnan

Reviewed on Xbox One

Vibrant, fast-paced and a joy to play, “Pac-Man: Championship Edition 2” is as fun as its predecessors, despite some over-bloating in its gameplay.

The last time I played “Pac-Man,” it was the black and white Game Boy version and that, like all of the classic Namco Bandai “Pac-Man” games is pure fun, even in its simplicity. The formula was never broke but Pac-Man: Championship Edition (2007) did find a way to make it even better. Its sequel comes packed with plenty of bright colors, fast-moving, frantic gameplay and exciting challenges, making for a solid “Pac-Man” experience for old fans and newcomers alike; however, it is admittedly a bit overwhelming at times. 

God of War 3 Remastered Review

High-octane action makes this PlayStation 3 hit worth a revisit for fans and newcomers alike 

By: Ryan Ramakrishnan 

Reviewed on PlayStation 4 

Hacking and slashing both the most royal of Greek gods and abominable of mythical monsters made “God of War 3” one of the most satisfying games on the PlayStation 3; “God of War 3 Remastered” is just as fun while simultaneously taking advantage of the graphical fidelity of its new home on the PlayStation 4.

“God of War” is a franchise I hold near and dear with PlayStation memories and in conjunction with my favorite action games so picking the remastered version up on the PlayStation 4 was always a no-brainer. For returning fans, if you have the money to dish out, it's hard to deny the exciting thrills the game came with. With gorgeous visuals thanks to the power the remastered version is allotted, “God of War 3” is as much of an exhilarating and over the top hack and slash joyride as ever. Newcomers should put the story aside, despite it being relatively interesting, to still take in the thrill of every screen-encapsulating boss fight and bloody rage-filled combo that few games capture in the vein of “God of War 3.”

Stick it to the Man Review

A comical adventure like no other

By: Ryan Ramakrishnan

Reviewed on PlayStation 4

“Stick it to the Man” tells an entertaining story filled with charming characters and writing.

My time with “Stick it to the Man” consisted of plenty of laughs and genuine smiles on my face thanks to the adventure game’s solid writing and puzzle platforming design. With ideas like reading minds and moving stickers around to help those around you, I have never played such a bizarre but lovely game. “Stick it to the Man” is overall quite memorable.

Mad Max Review

A post-apocalyptic playground chock full of brutal vehicular and melee combat alike

By: Ryan Ramakrishnan

Reviewed on Xbox One

Thanks to a beautifully crafted wasteland, violent combat, both in vehicles and on foot and a bevy of vehicles to test your skills in, “Mad Max” is one of the most fun open world games I have spent my time with this console generation.

Thanks to “Mad Max: Fury Road,” the George Miller-directed action film brought the franchise back to relevance. Just a few months after, the developers behind the “Just Cause” series brought another glorious action game to the table. “Mad Max” is an open world game as well. Like their previous work, Avalanche Studios provides many instances of high-octane action and excitement. The combat is brutally satisfying, particularly whilst driving. “Mad Max’s” story is nothing short of interesting, on paper, but it does often take a backseat to the rest of the game’s offerings.

Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon: Wildlands Review

An ambitious, entertaining world held back by repetition.

By: Ryan Ramakrishnan 

Reviewed on Xbox One

With a massive open world in Bolivia and a seemingly wide array of weapon choice and variety, Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon: Wildlands is greatly ambitious; however, thanks to some glitches and repetitive mission structure, it isn't all it could be.

I went into Wildlands with a lot of hope because of the world it was presenting me. The idea of a huge drug cartel being taken down, one by one picking off the drug lords and saving Bolivia sounded like a blast. I did have a good time in the end. The shooting was fun, the levels were open to creativity in execution and the map's size screamed hours on end of entertainment. It unfortunately suffered from a lot of oddly similar levels. They started fresh but grew repetitive too quickly. I also found the story to be awesome on paper but was never told in a compelling manner. This is an extremely enjoyable world to play in, despite some issues.

Contrast Review

A creative, aesthetically pleasing adventure

By: Ryan Ramakrishnan

Reviewed on PlayStation 4

“Contrast” is an entertaining journey through the vivid imagination of a young girl combined with a fresh take on puzzle platforming.

All presented gorgeously in a uniquely stylish Paris, France, “Contrast’s” visuals make it an instant standout. Thanks to a fresh concept of switching between 2D and 3D, as well as using shadows to your advantage to solve puzzles, “Contrast” is a charming game worth checking out.

Far Cry Primal Review

A prehistoric spin on a modern series

By: Ryan Ramakrishnan

Reviewed on PlayStation 4

With a unique direction in setting and time period, “Far Cry: Primal” does something fresh for the first person shooter its story predates.

“Far Cry: Primal” couldn’t keep me engaged with its underwhelming plot; however, in the gameplay department, Ubisoft Montreal exceeds in every way. With plenty of new animals, weapons and locations, “Far Cry: Primal” delivers a different but still very familiar experience for the series.

Hue Review

An intelligent puzzle platformer with heart

By: Ryan Ramakrishnan

Reviewed on PlayStation 4

A vivid platformer, “Hue” uses color as both a puzzle-solving technique and a factor of storytelling.

I knew nothing more of “Hue” than the fact that it looked like some sort of platformer; I got it for free with PlayStation Plus and gave it a whirl. To my utmost pleasure, this game kept me playing and engaged thanks to a delightful story and interesting gameplay. With both calming music and clever level design from beginning to end, this puzzle platformer was a joy to play through and ultimately made me wish there was more color-altering puzzles to partake in.

Injustice 2 Review

A polished and content-heavy fighting game for veterans and newcomers alike.

By: Ryan Ramakrishnan
Reviewed on PlayStation 4

Injustice 2 provides game modes to keep players coming back for more all day long, simultaneously boasting a beloved roster and fast, polished gameplay.

I was drawn to Injustice 2 for the exciting roster of DC Comics characters and the ability to alter gear but I never thought it would take up so much of my time. The gear system is deep and personable. There is so much to customize to your liking and Injustice 2 boasts dynamic game modes to assist that. Thanks to all this and the cinematic beauty it is during fights and in its campaign, Injustice 2 is one of the best fighting games in recent years and impossible to put down.

Gone Home: Console Edition Review

A compelling narrative unfolded through a curious home

By: Ryan Ramakrishnan

Reviewed on Xbox One

“Gone Home” uses simple exploration-based gameplay to lead up to an an ultimately interesting story with a lot of heart and authenticity.

Despite only taking a couple of hours to stumble upon everything that it had to say, the story “Gone Home” offers is one grounded in realism, one that never lost my attention. The game’s exceptional writing and wondrous attention to detail makes for a sweet, unforgettable adventure and a particularly special one for the medium.

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe Review

Gorgeous visuals and plentiful content make up the premiere kart-racing experience

By: Ryan Ramakrishnan

Reviewed on Nintendo Switch

“Mario Kart 8 Deluxe” comes packed with fun game modes, vehicle parts to unlock, scores to beat and an overall delightful experience, given a new breath of life on the Switch.

Having missed out on the Wii-U altogether, I knew I wanted “Mario Kart 8’s” updated version for my new Switch and fortunately this purchase was entirely justified. “Mario Kart 8 Deluxe” includes a bevy of courses to choose from, an online mode, the ability to play with friends in a split second and more, all making it the complete package.

Celeste Review

A challenging and rewarding platformer with heart and an important message 

By: Ryan Ramakrishnan

Reviewed on Nintendo Switch

“Celeste” is truly one of a kind thanks to tight and responsive, challenging gameplay and a surprisingly heartfelt story.

After everybody in the gaming industry’s praise for “Celeste” caught on to me, I eventually spread the good word to others. “Celeste” is a fantastic platformer with impressively challenging but rewarding gameplay. More importantly however is the plot that brings together deep themes like anxiety and inner demons, brilliantly crafting an unforgettable narrative to complement the wondrous level design.

Cuphead Review

Cartoons of the 30’s are revived in a gorgeous test of patience, skill and charm.

By: Ryan Ramakrishnan

Reviewed on Xbox One

“Cuphead” is a visual masterpiece with some of the most challenging gameplay its genre has to offer, coupled with utmost charm.

This indie game proves to be a an incredibly worthwhile experience thanks to its unique art direction alone. A series of increasingly difficult boss fights make the shoot em' up an exhilarating time. This is all backed up by a feeling of pure satisfaction upon each level completion. Mastering the difficult challenges and admiring the visuals and music all complement each other’s addition to the overall joy that is “Cuphead.”

Wolfenstein 2: The New Colossus Review

Nonstop action coupled with a powerful story

By: Ryan Ramakrishnan

Reviewed on Xbox One

“Wolfenstein 2: The New Colossus” is a glorified sequel, upping the ante with an intriguing and absurdly powerful character-driven story in addition to fine-tuned, high octane gunplay.

Picking up just months after the events of 2014’s “Wolfenstein: The New Order,” the sequel comes packed with memorable characters and brutal moments alike. Thanks to intense gunplay and an enthralling story with realistic themes, “Wolfenstein 2: The New Colossus” is a fantastic shooter and follow up to to an already great predecessor.